Dr. James Musinguzi (Right) interacts with UWA Spokesman, Mr. Hangi.
By Nathan Ngobi
Tom Butime, the minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities after thorough consultations with president Yoweri Museveni appointed a science academic icon Dr. James Musinguzi, PhD at the helm of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as Executive Director (ED) to replace Mr. Sam Mwandha whose tenure fell in the wrong hands of nature on 31st March 2025.
Dr. James Musinguzi being decorated recently.
Sam Mwandha took over from Andrew Sseguya who had also served as the executive director at Entebbe Zoo (UWEC).
Andrew Sseguya replaced Kamanzi who acted briefly as Executive Director UWA. Sam Mwandha hails from Busoga region and served in the same capacity since 2018 until nature denied and demanded that he goes to look after his Agricultural farm in Busoga by 31st March 2025.
In a colorful handover function that took place on 2nd April 2025 at UWA head offices Mr. Sam Mwandha peacefully gave out office to Dr. James Musinguzi amidst cheers and ululations from the Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka-the state minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime the Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Ministry, Chairman and Members of the UWA Board of Trustees, senior government officials, development and conservation partners, UWA staff and representatives of the private sector, the public among others.
Dr. Musinguzi James a dedicated conservationist with vast experience in wildlife management, conservation Education, community conservation, Environmental management, administrative management and strategic team leadership skills among others shocked the interviewing panel when he presented an endless list of academic awards both locally and internationally beating the rest of his 27 challengers who had applied for the top slot of Executive Director at Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Speaking to The Second Opinion Publications after the appointment, Tourism, wildlife and antiquities minister Tom Butime said that he was shocked when they gave him a report indicating that out of the 27 people who applied for the top UWA job, some applied without indicating the job they were looking for, while some others applied for different positions and many applied for different jobs outside Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
He said that those who applied for the right slot were 23 and among them some are working in powerful Government positions yet they never wanted their bosses to know that they had secretly applied elsewhere but above all Dr. James Musinguzi excelled in all stages during the interview.
“After thorough consultations with president Yoweri Museveni, I appointed the victorious Dr. James Musinguzi as the new Executive Director (ED) at UWA”. Tom Butime told us at the Second Opinion Publications.
Dr. James Musinguzi formerly the chairman and award winner of Africa’s prestigious conservation award, “Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria” (PAAZA) 2024 South Africa found himself serving in the capacity of director in charge of Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife services, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) following the monsoon Government wind 2024 where agencies were merged, at this time he had served as Executive director Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) formerly known as Entebbe Zoo for about 18 years.
Dr. Musinguzi.
His late father Hails from Buraro village Kakabara Sub County in Kyaka Central County Kyegegwa district, while Dr. Musinguzi has built his village home at Buhunga Village, Nyamuhanami ward in Kyegegwa district, he grew up as a humble, God-fearing church raised young lad born to his late father Mr Philip Kabonesa who was a staunch church of Uganda believer and mother Gladys Kabonesa who is still alive great farmers of former Kabarole district.
The jolly 6th ranked most educated person in Uganda, Dr. Musinguzi is a family man with a beautiful wife Joan Musinguzi who contributes to her family bread earned from Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the two have children.
Education
According to records, research and information part of which obtained from his Bio profile, Dr. James Musinguzi is a product of Kako secondary school in Masaka District and he has a Doctor of Philosophy, hails from Kyegegwa district appeared in a viral video in 2023 that ranked him the sixth most educated person in Uganda, with five degrees, he has one PhD in Management from Mbarara University of science and Technology (MUST), he holds Masters of science in Biology (Master of Science Degree in Environment Conservation Biology) Mbarara university of science and technology (MUST), Masters in Business Administration from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi (UMU), Postgraduate Diploma in Project planning from MUST. Bachelor of science with Education from Mbarara university of science and Technology
Professional and training Certificates
In 2008 as a young lad thirsty for knowledge Dr. Musinguzi left Western Uganda and camped in Jinja where he attained a certificate in Water Education for Teachers Curriculum Development, this was after he had been in Sweden Lund University, where the Swedish Government awarded him a certificate in International Course on Participatory Methodologies Empowering Communities, which was in collaboration with Mbarara University, Uganda.
However, in 2006 some scholars who attended a short course with him in New York, United States of America disclosed that he was given a certificate in Environment Education Fellowship at the world’s wildlife conservation society in New York.
In 2009, he was rushed to United States of America for a certificate in Advanced Analysis with ArcGIS at the institute of Juniper GIS and Environment Research Institute, Redlands, California, USA, reports indicate that the jolly and smile speaking Dr. Musinguzi returned home with several gifts after impressing the whites as a firstest learning person during the training.
When Gen. Yoweri Museveni was battling the Lord resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony during the 2007 LRA attacks and killings of the UN mission peace keepers at Yambio in Sudan and Garamba National Park in the DRC Zoologist and conservationist Dr. Musinguzi was busy studying a certificate in Management Skills at Uganda Management Institute, Kampala, Uganda
He went to Makerere University Kampala (MUK) and did a Postgraduate certificate in Strategic Procurement and Logistics Management.
In 2004 with his fresh brains Dr. Musinguzi went to Makerere University Kampala and studied a postgraduate certificate in Public Administration and Management, while in 2003 he attained a certificate in Corporate Governance in Organizations at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, ICPAU.
He headed to Japan in 2011 and joined the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, JICA, Yokohama, Japan where they awarded him a certificate in Environmental Conservation and Management while on his return to Africa he was taken to Balance Score Card Institute, Nairobi, Kenya and did a certificate in Balance Scorecard Performance Implementation.
The God-fearing dude and head of laity at St. John’s Parish church, Entebbe Church of Uganda Dr. Musinguzi got a calling letter from Centre for Environmental Education and Communications, Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Beijing, China inviting him to join them and do a Certificate in Environment Monitoring Technologies which he acquired in 2015 while in 2024 at the Inspired Leaders International he walked away with a certificate in Transformational Leadership.
Working Experience
James Musinguzi is a highly qualified and experienced strategic manager with over 20 Years of experience in Natural Resources Management, Projects Management, People Management, Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Change Education, Teaching and Research, Project Development, Execution and leadership.
Dr. Musinguzi is the immediate past Chairman of Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA)/Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA.
His role here as chair PAAZA was overseeing the PAAZA Program delivery in Africa including Fundraising for Zoos, Aquaria and Botanic gardens. He was also responsible for coordinating the implementation of PAAZA’s fundraising efforts at the regional level in Africa with funders such as World Bank, JICA, UNDP, USAID among others.
The man from Kyegegwa district is in charge of strategic partnerships, quality assurance, management and delivery of agreed 8 organizational objectives and related Key Performance Indicators as per the Strategic Plan.
Being very particular Dr. Musinguzi does strategy Development and implementation at Management level, stakeholder engagement including Policy makers, Funding partners among others. He is also responsible for the Program Development and delivery, management of teams,
Governance to support technical Board Committees and Full Board to produce high quality Board papers as well as resolutions with a clear and proposer implementation log frame.
Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer/ Board Secretary, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), Entebbe, Uganda, East Africa.
He served in the above position for 15 years after joining as a Conservation Education officer, following his vast experience in zoology skills during his tenure at Mbarara University of science and technology (MUST) where he worked as an Administrator and lecturer before joining UWEC.
While at UWEC Dr. Musinguzi led the strategic planning with a clear vision, mission, strategic objectives, core values and outputs in Biodiversity Conservation Education.
He was key in Projects proposal development, execution and coordination through effective Monitoring and Evaluation.
Dr. Musinguzi used to ensure that the work outputs produced maintain high-quality standards and as team leader he could supervise and physically carry out the work of UWEC, using Management by walking around approach.
He also led the preparation of timely, clear and objective reports based on comprehensive data where he emphasized the review of the organizational structure of UWEC and staffing to ensure effectiveness and efficiency at UWEC.
He could allocate tasks to Managers and supervise them to ensure they deliver impactful results in identified priority areas, by doing this he could make sure there were preparations of work plans of UWEC, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery.
Lecturer, Mbarara University of Science Technology, Mbarara, Uganda, East Africa:
Between the year 2004/2006 Dr. Musinguzi was a lecturer at Mbarara University of science and technology (MUST) where he technically guided researchers on identification of problems, proposal development and execution of projects.
He is remembered for a good skill in developing collaborative research and development projects for donors.
With his good guidance and advice to students working on Environment Conservation and Management he left a huge following.
One of his students Philip Bahemuka recalls that Dr. Musinguzi was the best coordinator for the Faculty of Science’s research activities and represented the Faculty at National and International fora.
Administrator, Academic Registrar’s Office, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
As a young lad in 2002 Feb, he joined Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) as an administrator in the office of the Academic registrar where he carried out Training Needs Analysis of the Academic Registrar’s department.
Dr. Musinguzi served as the best coordinator for the training program for Academic staff pursuing further studies in Uganda and abroad.
As Administrator he was also responsible for the training of departmental staff in project planning, writing and management, in addition to Plan Implementation and coordination of departmental activities.
He was in charge of Management of departmental property and assets with up-to-date inventories, budget control and analysis Facilitation of networking with government and other organizations.
Publications
Those who have studied up to PhD level must by now be aware that this prestigious academic gong signifies breathing new life into the body of knowledge. With his PhD and Master’s, Dr. Musinguzi has immensely contributed to the body of knowledge and today he boasts ten (10) groundbreaking research publications to his name.
All published in reputable international journals, they include: –
Linking Education and Wildlife Conservation in Uganda, the Uganda National Examinations Board Journal of Education and Assessment, Volume 1, 2021
Local Community Participation and Wildlife Conservation in Uganda, a case of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese District, The Ugandan Journal of Management and Public Policy Studies, Uganda Management Institute, Kampala. Vol 16 No1, 2019 ISSN 2078-7049
Musinguzi. J, Basheka. B, Odubaker. P (2018). The Nature of Management of Wildlife Trade in Uganda. The Ugandan Journal of Management and Public Policy Studies, Uganda Management Institute, Kampala. Vol 14, ISSN 2078-7049.
Musinguzi. J, Basheka. B, Odubaker. P (2018). Efficacy of Institutional Framework in Managing Wildlife Trade in Uganda: Preliminary Evidence. Makerere Business Journal, Makerere Business School, Kampala.13
Musinguzi. J, Basheka. B, Odubaker. P (2018). The efficacy of the legal framework in the management of wild life trade in Uganda: A public participation approach. Administration Publica, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Vol 26 No 4, 2018.
Impact of fire on the forest tree dynamics in Bwindi impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda. (Conference Proceedings at the Annual Conservation Conference at the University of Cambridge, UK)
Enhancing the Household water Quality and Nutrition of Rural communities in Mbarara District, Innovations @ MAK project. Impact of fire on Medicinal plants in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Conference proceeding at the International Conservation conference at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom)
Fuel wood use in Mbarara Municipality, a Case study of Kakoba Division (Mbarara University Science Journal)
Youths and Community volunteerism towards achievement of Environmental sustainability (Conference proceedings at the International Zoo Educators Conference at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, South Africa).
Dr. Musinguzi A National Pride— Tourism PS
To Katusiime Doreen, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Musinguzi is an embodiment of perfection and excellence, who is also a living reason why Ugandans must believe in themselves to do serious things.
In her speech during one of the UWEC /UWA events, Katusiime says she learnt this when Musinguzi was given to head UWEC an agency he ran diligently and uplifted it to the international level at the time he left for the top UWA job.
“Entebbe Zoo now shines at the International level, that is why Dr. Musinguzi excelled and was elected to head the Zoos and aquaria in Africa” Katusime ranted.
Awards: –
When you visited Dr. Musinguzi’s home one would be mistaken to have entered into a museum of several decorated medals and awards since he has gathered over ten (10) in number.
In October, 2024: he received the Service Award by the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute in recognition of the Professional and Technical Guidance to the students of the Institute during their Training and Internship Placement.
On 3rd September 2024, the Ugandan, native of Kyegegwa who ranks among the most educated received the PAAZA Award by Mr. John Werth, the Executive Director of PAAZA on behalf of PAAZA in recognition of unselfish dedication and contribution to PAAZA’s sustainability
While at the Labour Day Celebrations in Fort Portal, Kabarole District, 1 May, 2024 Dr. Musinguzi was impressed by the fountain of honor where he awarded him the Golden Jubilee Medal award for exemplary leadership and transformation of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre.
On 3 March, 2023 Musinguzi got a Conservation Education Award from the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime for championing Conservation Education in Uganda that has changed mindsets, attitudes and behavior of pupils, communities towards positive Environment Conservation Action during the World Wildlife Day Celebrations in Kyenjojo district.
Dr. Musinguzi in July, 2017 got the “Service Appreciation Award” presented to him by the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) Board of Trustees in recognition of dedicated service as a UWEC Board member/Secretary.
In December, 2016 he received the “Leadership and Management Award” presented to him by the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Board of Trustees (UWEC), in recognition of dedicated service and commitment to Excellence.
In December, 2015 “Service Appreciation Award” was presented to Dr. James Musinguzi by Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) in recognition of dedicated service and Leadership as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the period 2013 to 2015.
The scientist in October, 2014, saw a “Distinguished Service Award” presented to him by Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Faculty of Science, in recognition for his Leadership in Wildlife, Conservation Education and Conservation in Uganda”, awarded to Dr.James Musinguzi at the 10 Year celebrations to mark the establishment of the Institute for Tropical Forest Conservation, ITFC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Dr. Musinguzi in May, 2014 was given a “Conservation Excellence Award” presented to him by the Pan Africa Association of Zoos and Aquariums under the Bernard Harrison and Friends Environment Management and Conservation Award for Initiative and success in Environment management and Conservation in Uganda”, awarded to Dr. James Musinguzi at the 25th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria in Entebbe in May, 2014.
In the year 2006; Dr. Musinguzi James was given a Research Grant, offered by the Belgium Technical Cooperation for Research on the Status of the Soil Seed bank in the Burnt Sites of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in comparison to the Intact Forest.
In 2004 he received the Research Grant for the Project: “Enhancing the Household water Quality and Nutrition of Rural communities in Mbarara District, Innovations at Makerere University I@MAK Project”, awarded Dr. James Musinguzi the I@MAK committee due to the innovative nature of the project.
2002; Research Grant: Offered by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Award for Research on the Impact of Fire in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda, awarded to Dr. James Musinguzi to advanced MSc Environment Conservation Research in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda.
Kyegegwa Leaders Speak Out on Dr. Musinguzi:
Hon Tom Bright Amooti
Former minister foreign affairs Tooro Kingdom, Director Britop group of companies, DAS Handling Juba, Kyaka Central MP—Kyegegwa district whose political area Dr. James Musinguzi votes from.
Hon Tom Bright says that Dr. James Musinguzi is a staunch Christian believer who grew up and raised by the church at Kibiri church of Uganda in Kampala where his late father Mr. Philip Kabonesa used to serve as Head of laity.
“Musinguzi dedicated his life and family to God, he is the head of laity at St. John’s Parish church of Uganda in Entebbe while his son is the Head of chapel (Chapel prefect) at Kings college Budo meaning family and God are inseparable” said MP Tom Bright Amooti.
He said that Dr. Musinguzi is a unique character and his nature of doing work is a perfectionist who likes giving back to the community like he supported the area LC1 in the village and while drilling for water he extended tap water to the neighbors for free.
“Dr. Musinguzi does not discriminate, he is a dream manager with good skills and experience of team work, a think tanker this county has and Kyegegwa we are proud of having such a great person”. added Hon Tom Bright.
He said that while still heading UWEC Dr. Musinguzi used to appear before the trade and Tourism parliamentary committee for budgeting where hon Tom Bright sits but all the time Musinguzi’s budget was not rejected because he is balanced.
“Look he presented a budget with a plan to have zoos all over districts and regions and all committee members supported it because who doesn’t want a zoo in his area and above all Musinguzi started with Mbale which is about to be completed soon, then Kyenjojo next not even his Kyegegwa because he has a heart to serve all without segregation,” said MP Tom Bright.
On community policing, community mobilisation and community work (Bulungi Bwansi) Dr. Musinguzi always takes part in the village and most people including high ranking members of the public join him.
“He is an NRM cadre, Patriotic, Scientist who loves animals and plants whose legacy follows the footsteps of his late father God fearing and church raised person.
Dr. Musinguzi has supported many churches like Kyaisaza Church of Uganda, he is also a farmer growing maize, beans, bananas and cattle keeping.
During burials and other events, say parties Dr. Musinguzi believes in having his own local people in the village to offer services like catering among others than the city dwellers.
Above all he has a supportive wife who is always there for him Hon Tom Bright pointed out.
Byamukama Kisoke John
Is the chairman Local council five (LC5) Kyegegwa district who showered praises to Dr. James Musinguzi as a great man from his district.
“I have known him for a long time mainly for his commitment towards work, transparency and he is always accountable, he is a team builder because he started working with UWEC and when he was there the zoo was booming, and he is a man very passionate about wildlife and very cooperative.
I conglutinate him upon becoming the new ED at UWA, but also am requesting him to expedite the elevation of Katonga game reserve to a national park, this game reserve covers Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, and part of Kyenjojo districts
So, for us the people of Western region and Tooro sub region and specifically Kyegegwa we have high hopes in him under the tourism industry and since Tooro is a tourism region (City) we believe he will serve his best as usual.
Dr. Wambaka Kosea Makwasi
He is the chairman of Strategic Group of companies (International) which includes Strategic Friends International based in Kampala, a born of Bugwagi in Sironko district is arguably the most educated person in Africa with 7 degrees, worked with Dr. James Musinguzi at Entebbe Zoo – Uganda wildlife Education Centre UWEC and has endless patriotic statements describing who Dr. Musinguzi is.
“With Dr.Musinguzi I know and whom I worked with at the Uganda wildlife Education Center, will be looking at competing to the world class in terms of tourism, he sets records in every area he goes and always consults before making any decision so that the position of what would be decided meets everyone’s efforts and inputs to give results” Dr. Wambaka told us at The Second Opinion.
He is all round and always learns to listen to others in team work management. Wambaka added.
Membership to Organisations and corporate management
From 2018 to 2024 date: Board Chairman, Chimpanzee Trust, Uganda.
From May 2018 to 2024: Chairman/President, Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA).
From January, 2018, Research Associate, School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
While between 2015 and 2016: Member, Conservation and Sustainability Committee, World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA).
While as from 2013 to 2015: Board Chairman, Ngamba Island- Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), Ngamba Island, Mukono District.
From 2001-2002: Guild President, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda.
Dr. James Musinguzi has attended several conferences in Uganda and the rest of the world that at a later time we shall publish here.
In a nutshell Dr. James Musinguzi can be summarised as an analytical and logical, a lateral thinker and problem solver who uses creativity and positive response to pressure to generate effective solutions geared to time-sensitive deadlines.
An organizer and forward planner who relishes challenges and demonstrates adaptability and versatility within fluid, ever- changing and demanding situations.
Articulate, confident and outgoing, an accomplished communicator who mediates effectively and uses negotiating and persuading skills to achieve consensus through compromise.
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